Archaeology research in precolumbian americas and the book of mormon. Is there archaeological evidence for the book of mormon. I revisit issues of archaeology and the book of mormon here in addressing the. External evidences of the book of mormon book of mormon central. In reexploring the book of mormon, edited by john w. To satisfy their demands, an attempt has been made in this book to correlate certain recent archaeological and anthropological findings with related book. If you missed the bmaf messages announcing the change please go to and enter your email address. Jun 17, 2017 watch book of mormon centrals new video on one of the best examples of archaeological evidence we have for the book of mormon. How the book of mormon comes alive at nephis bountiful khor kharfot is the best candidate for nephis bountiful because it is the only candidate along the arabian shore, directly east of nahom, which fits all 12 criteria nephi describes for the place he built the ship. Wayne may, publisher of a national archaeology magazine who spoke at the cache valley symposium, traveled to newark with fisher in an. Welcome to the book of mormon archaeological forum. In fact, several mormon organizations have been founded in order to prove.
The purpose of this article is to shed some light on not only the subject of archaeology, but also on the reality of both biblical and book of mormon archaeology. Come see a live presentation on archaeological discoveries and their correlation to the book of mormon cultures. Jan 18, 2018 how a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Recently, i went through the book of mormon with a different focusi wanted to determine how many evidences were found in the book of mormon itself supporting the fact that it was translated from an ancient document and not written by joseph smith in the early 19th century. Watch presentations about american archaeology and its parallels to the book of mormon civilizations. Contrary to the claims of our critics, there are impressive findings that make it difficult to explain away the book of mormon as a nineteenthcentury fraud from joseph smith. Therefore, the mormon can have confidence that the bible is the word of god and that it can be accurately translated. While mormon scholars admit valid challenges to mormonism from archaeology and the book of abraham, they say the evidences of mormonisms truthfulness is the book of mormon itself, gods confirmation in your spirit, and the number of changed lives. The book of first nephi, the first book in the volume, describes the actions of lehi and his family in leaving jerusalem before its destruction, following the counsel of the lord, and wandering through the wilderness for several years before embarking on a transoceanic voyage to somewhere in or near central america. Archaeology, relics, and book of mormon belief by john e. Book of mormon evidence in american archaeology wayne may. His library research spurred his first hunt for archaeological evidence, in campeche in 1948. Book of mormon archaeology the irrefutable evidence.
The evidences which this generation have of the divine authenticity of the book of mormon, and of the existence of the plates, are far greater than the evidences which they have for the truth of any of the books of the bible. Five compelling archeological evidences for the book of mormon. Book of mormon evidences, part 3 presents further evidence supporting the book of mormon as an ancient document. When they say directly support, they typically mean that they are looking for a direct corroboration, such as the presence of the name nephi or zarahemla in association with. Hamblin, basic methodological problems with the antimormon approach to the geography and archaeology of the book of mormon, journal of book of mormon studies 211993, 14. The book of mormon tells of king noah being executed for crimes in a lengthy ceremony similar to the mayan execution ritual. This page is a continuation of book of mormon evidences, part one and part two. The book of mormon teaches that the redemption of christ was planned before the world began, and the mayans likewise believed in gods who. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph suffered from a mental illness. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one sitting. Archaeological science versus claims of the book of mormon. External evidences of the book of mormon include the testimony of eleven witnesses, the fulfillment of many prophecies, and modern archaeological discoveries. Parry, hebraisms and other ancient peculiarities in the book of.
Non mormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. There is absolutely no archaeological evidence to directly support the book of mormon or the nephites and lamanites, who were supposed to have numbered in the millions. Archaeology itself can be divided and subdivided into numerous disciplines. Evidence, proof, and belief before delving into archaeological matters, it is helpful to take a step back and consider what archaeological evidence means in relation to the book of. Archaeological and historical evidence evidences of the. The scientific legacy of a quest to prove the book of mormon. The book of mormon is really there so one can have book of mormon studies, and archaeology is really there so one can study archaeology, but the two are not wed. The book of mormon is a vast and epic story that spans hundreds of years on two continents while detailing the rise and fall of unique, previously unheard of civilizations. It is a common claim by critics that there is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the book of mormon. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the book. Is there any archaeological evidence for the book of mormon.
If the book of mormon is really true history, then even after 1500 years, there should be some evidence that would support the truthfulness of those historical scriptural events, as recorded in the book of mormon. Claims book of mormon archaeology is based upon scant evidence is deception for the masses. If the book of mormon is an authentic historical record of real people, language, and cultures, then we would expect to find tangible evidences that corroborate itunless of course it is a work of joseph smiths imagination. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexico science. Illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Jan 23, 2016 recently, i went through the book of mormon with a different focusi wanted to determine how many evidences were found in the book of mormon itself supporting the fact that it was translated from an ancient document and not written by joseph smith in the early 19th century. Archaeology has much to offer as a scientific means of gathering independent evidence of the book of mormons authenticity. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the. The book of mormon describes three migrations of people from the middle east to america. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidences stuff you can touch, see, feel. There are abundant evidences of their presence during the first 400 years ad such as villas, mosaic floors, public baths, armor, weapons, writings, art, pottery and so on. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith, alleged to be an ignorant man, wrote the book of mormon 2. Archaeology, dna, evidences of book of mormon civilization in n. Book of mormon evidences, part one discusses some of the many factors supporting the plausibility of the book of mormon as an ancient document.
The greatest evidence, however, comes from reading, praying, and pondering the message of the book. Archaeology is in fact, physical evidence that supports the truthfulness of a historical event. At least they are not wed in reality since no book of mormon location is known with reference to modern topography. Bookofmormonarchaeology 2000 evidences for the book of mormon. Numerous observers have suggested that the book of mormon appears to be a work of fiction that parallels others within the 19thcentury moundbuilder genre that was pervasive at the time. She has written several books, notably, a challenge to the critics. Two of the most prevalent claims for the book of mormon are, there is much archaeological proof to the book of mormon, and the american indians are descendants of israelites who came to america as described in the book of mormon. Archaeological trends and the book of mormon origins byu studies.
Supporting evidences of the book of mormon are broadly identifiable. It is part of a collection that includes book of mormon evidences, part two, book of mormon evidences, part three, and book of mormon nuggets contrary to the claims of our critics, there are many interesting findings that make it difficult to explain. The institutes flagship publication, now titled journal of book of mormon and other restoration scripture, has published many articles dealing with internal and external evidences over the years. The book of mormon describes migrations of people from the middle east to central america, and further describes some features of their civilizations in the new world. The book of mormon describes both within the time frame in accordance with the law of moses. Archaeological and historical evidence where did the book. The mayan gods gathered under the tree of life to hold a council all the gods had taken part in the creation of the earth.
Wayne may wayne may, is the author and publisher of ancient american magazine, now in its 25th year of print. Scholarly evidences of the book of mormon horizon publishers, 1986 and parallels. Thomas stuart ferguson lay in his hammock, certain that he had found. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand ended up losing his faith. Wayne may presents the supporting evidence for the heartland model, that the book of mormon nephites and jaredites lived in north america. How a mormon lawyer transformed archaeology in mexicoand.
The factitious unsupported idea that the book of mormon was plagiarized from other books. Many readers have posed this question, both out of genuine interest and also as. First published in 1830, the book of mormon tells of the transoceanic migrations. Oct 29, 2008 illuminating the credibility of the book of mormon through archaeological photographs. Oct 24, 2014 the book of mormon and archaeology by dr. Ritual sacrifice both human sacrifice and animal sacrifices occurred in ancient america. Sorenson, the book of mormon as a mesoamerican record, in book of mormon authorship revisited, 391521. Book store book of mormon evidence in american archaeology. He wrote in the acknowledgements section of this 1956 book, the book of mormon has stood and will continue to stand on its own merits. Sorenson claims that there is fossil evidence that some new world horses may.
In the last chapter we saw that the bible is reliable, being textually pure and verifiably accurate in many places. Mesoamerican and ancient middle eastern traditions stonecliff publishing, 2003. The factitious unsupported idea that someone else wrote the book of mormon. When talking to mormons, expect to hear them say, i know the book. There are abundant evidences of their presence during the first 400 years ad such as villas, mosaic floors. Read about the supporting evidence for the book of mormon cultures. The volume has long invited scrutiny from all branches of science. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. Since the publication of the book of mormon in 1830, mormon archaeologists have attempted.
Michael coe, 3 podcasts science magazine uncovering. I couldnt possibly cover every book of mormon correlation in one. Book of mormon archaeology is real, authentic, scientifically researched, a proven fact. This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the.
Book of mormon evidence dvds, books, galleries, videos, free downloads, tours, webinars, more. Wirth received a ba in art from brigham young university and was a special postgraduate student at harvard university. Lost civilizations of north america documentary4, deborah bolnick on haplogroup x. Sorensons theory is detailed in his book, an ancient american setting for the book of mormon, op. If the book is accurate, archaeologists would expect to find numerous pieces of hard evidence in central america that confirm the presence of these societies. Archaeological evidence and the book of mormon fairmormon. Preearth life similar to mormon teachings, mesoamericans believed gods existed before the world was created. When they say directly support, they typically mean that they are looking for a direct corroboration, such as the presence of the name nephi or zarahemla in association with ancient. To begin looking for archaeological evidence you have to know where to look. Book of mormon correlations, artifacts book of mormon evidence.
External evidences of the book of mormon book of mormon. A cautionary tale is the failed cluff expedition of 1900, which, assuming a hemispheric model of book of mormon geography, traveled from provo as far as colombia looking for the city zarahemla. World in precolumbian contexts have frequently appeared in newspapers, magazines, and sensational books. The book of mormon begins in a wellknown location, jerusalem, in 600 b. Ancient israelites did come to america over 2400 years ago. Archaeology very often doesnt directly support claims. The book of mormon and the hopewell of ancient north america duration. T he book of mormon is advertized by the church of jesus christ of latterday saints as another testament of jesus christ and specifically of the account of his supposed visit to the american continent the book of mormon, 3 nephi 11. Book of mormon central archaeological evidence for the. All opinions, speakers and presenters represent and express their own individual opinions, and not necessarily the opinions of firm foundation, book of mormon evidence, or its employees, and no information or opinions represent the church of jesus christ of latterday saints.
Religious studies center, brigham young university, 1982. As we begin to explore mormon archaeology, it seems appropriate to introduce the fascinating history of thomas ferguson, an attorney by trade, whose true passion manifest as an amateur archaeologist who dedicated decades of his life to the search for evidence to validate the book of mormon as a historical record. Nonmormon archaeologists speak on book of mormon evidence. In this post i wanted to emphasize physical evidencesstuff you can touch, see, feel. The factitious unsupported idea that joseph smith was a creative genius who, wrote the book. Where much evidence should be readily found, none exists. If playback doesnt begin shortly, try restarting your device.
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